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Sold 13" MBP on eBay - Buyer Says It's Dented

He sent me photos of the laptop - the base is dented.

However, he's sent me a photo of the serial number. I don't recall the serial number being actually etched onto the base of the laptop. Plus the info on the base is all black - I'm sure it was silver.

Again, I wish I had a photo of the base of the laptop..

Looks like dodgy photoshop work.

I've asked for a video.

chris975d said:
I don't really know how you're not getting a live person, if you are following the instructions I listed earlier in the thread. If you listen to the prompts, there's an option to speak with a customer service representative in there. I know, because I have to call in every time I sell something to have them release the funds (the ridiculous holds they place), as they place them on all funds coming from the sale of consumer electronics now (cell phones, mp3 players, computers). Their holds never "automatically" fall off my account like they say, so I have to call in and speak to an agent each time to get the holds taken off my funds. I sell several items a month, and have to call in each time, so I know it's rather easy to talk to a live person. So I'm not sure what you are doing wrong when you call, but the option to speak to a live representative is in the automated menu if you just go through it.
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I've tried, and tried again now. The options are: account support, claims etc. The claims is all about buyers and for me to respond to a claim (which there is none on PayPal yet, just eBay). The rest is just stuff about accounts.

No options to actually speak to a live person.
 
Info on the bottom of Unibody MBPs is silver, though I guess in the right light it could look black, so that's not a definite red flag.
 
adamfishercox said:
Info on the bottom of Unibody MBPs is silver, though I guess in the right light it could look black, so that's not a definite red flag.
Click to expand...

Really black here.

Also, is the serial number printed on the base? I can't find any photos with it printed.
 

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Nope, just checked, it is not. Though I have the generation with the door on the back for battery access, it's possible they've changed it.

I'm sure someone on here has that same generation of MacBook 13" and could take a similar photo to help you out.
 
hey look at the top corner of the lid on the superdrive side doesnt that look like the lids been smashed?

the top right corner of the open lid looks smashed like foil?
 
abthegreat said:
hey look at the top corner of the lid on the superdrive side doesnt that look like the lids been smashed?

the top right corner of the open lid looks smashed like foil?
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Think that's the keyboard packaging.
 
Kilamite said:
I took screenshots of the serial number and photos of the serial number. Funds haven't been released yet, so this really isn't looking good.

Everything on eBay is to protect the buyer - there's no resolution for sellers in this situation.
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You are absolutely right. You are gonna loose in this situation, which is why I wont sell any electronics on eBay. I got burned selling my iBook. They didnt even say it was damaged, just said it was too old. My ad said "as is no refunds outside of DOA". Still lost and paypal zapped my bank account without warning.
 
Looks majorly photoshopped.

On the 13" MacBooks, the serial was on a strip in the battery bay.

On the 13" MacBook Pros, the serial is printed in gray and could NEVER look black.

Click
 
If you're in Scotland...

I'm really surprised that you are having problems talking to Paypal - on their (your account page) page there is an option to click "contact us" or "help".
Ring that number and just say "agent" after keying in your PIN (generated on page). I had to talk to them quite a few times (even this morning) and had absolutely no problems connecting to the agent. To be honest I'm quite surprised as how efficient and helpful the paypal folk are - give it another try, talk to them, explain the situation and state that you do have the evidence that the laptop was shipped in mint condition. If you gave the option to insure the package and the buyer decided not to take it then it's up to him to chase it up with the shipping company. The odds are good, just play it well and be polite to the Paypal people - remember - if you're not courteous and polite, they can just as well screw you over...
 
Going to call PayPal tomorrow and try saying "agent".

I've got a couple of good friends who live near Paris (where the buyer lives), so could send to meet up and inspect the laptop for any issues.
 
The fcc and all that stuff is in silver. The serial number is blackish but silverish. I just bought mine yesterday at best buy but I'm not sure if its the newest one.
 
Think it is my laptop - my only guess is that he's dropped it when opening it and is taking me for a ride.

If worst case scenario happens - can I make the buyer pay postage?
 
I don't understand why you cant just say it was damaged in transit? It's none of your responsibility after you post it surely? (assuming you packaged it correctly).

You have photos of before you sent it, proving it was in good condition. The buyer was foolish enough to not insure a several hundred pound purchase, but that's their problem not yours. Right?
 
Yeah but he claims the box is fine and has photos of the box showing it intact.

It is really annoying.. I don't know where I stand. I can't get a hold of PayPal either - the automated system gives me no option to speak to anybody. Gives options, which then gives options, which then ends up in PayPal emailing me something.

How do I prove any of this though. Photos aren't really enough.

It is definitely my laptop that is dented - so my only conclusion is if it didn't get damaged during shipment, he damaged it somehow when unpacking.

Another thing is - he's taken photos of the laptop booted up. If the laptop has been damaged due to a bash, he probably shouldn't have even turned it on..

I really don't know how to play my cards.
 
Kilamite said:
Yeah but he claims the box is fine and has photos of the box showing it intact.

It is really annoying.. I don't know where I stand. I can't get a hold of PayPal either - the automated system gives me no option to speak to anybody. Gives options, which then gives options, which then ends up in PayPal emailing me something.

How do I prove any of this though. Photos aren't really enough.

It is definitely my laptop that is dented - so my only conclusion is if it didn't get damaged during shipment, he damaged it somehow when unpacking.

Another thing is - he's taken photos of the laptop booted up. If the laptop has been damaged due to a bash, he probably shouldn't have even turned it on..

I really don't know how to play my cards.
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Are you positive that the laptop he's showing you is yours? Does the laptop in the pictures he's sent to you show YOUR actual serial number? Or is it possible that he's pulling a swap out on you? And I still don't understand how you're not able to get a live person at Paypal. It's very easy to do so. Hell, just select any of the options the system is giving you (for seller OR buyer), and there should be an option to say "agent" there. Doesn't matter what "department" you get, any of the reps can help you.
 
chris975d said:
Are you positive that the laptop he's showing you is yours? Does the laptop in the pictures he's sent to you show YOUR actual serial number? Or is it possible that he's pulling a swap out on you? And I still don't understand how you're not able to get a live person at Paypal. It's very easy to do so. Hell, just select any of the options the system is giving you (for seller OR buyer), and there should be an option to say "agent" there. Doesn't matter what "department" you get, any of the reps can help you.
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I've never rung PayPal before, but on a lot of those automated option things if you just don't do anything it eventually puts you through to a human.
 
You could always hint you'll take "legal-action" if he decides to continue to take you for a ride - tell him his responsibility for the item was his as soon as he opened the package - even if he dropped it, or maybe say you know he's defrauding you and you intend to get the authorities involved. You should be trying anything and everything to save your money.

I'm lucky enough that I have accidental insurance on all my electronics, so if someone tries to scam me like this, I can just have Apple fix the broken MBP and pay the $50 deductible and they cover the expensive repair charge. I recommend everyone get accidental insurance before you sell a high value electronic (great to have in general too - they're not expensive either!) instead of possibly losing hundreds to get your MBP fixed.
 
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